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15 Jun, 2015 by Allison
Curtis Chronister handled my chapter 7 and it was wonderful and stress free for me. His office is so efficient and you don't feel like you have no idea whats going on with your case. He makes sure that you are well informed and explains everything in detail. I can't thank him and his office staff enough for. Ashley is equally as wonderful
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21 Nov, 2012 by Kelly
We used Curtis for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. From the minute I called with questions, he took his time explaining our options over the phone without even coming in. He spent at least 45 minutes on the phone with me with no charge and then met with my husband and me for a good hour in the office with no charge. So the 1 hour FREE consultation definitely holds true. It's an embarrassing situation to be in to admit that you’re in such a financial hardship that you can't pay your bills and stay afloat with the everyday expenses. He never once made us feel bad or ashamed or looked down upon. He said his job was to help us and our family get relief from this tremendous burden and that he did. His wife Ashley is the administrator and was always helpful, friendly and courteous. In the midst of our bankruptcy we were still struggling to get back on top of things and were all of the sudden looking at foreclosure because we had become officially 2 months behind on our mortgage. They responded to the situation immediately with concern, caring and assurance that they would do everything they could to help us keep our house. Never once did they say "well you'll have to come with X amount of money before we'll even consider this". And in the end we did keep our house! From the beginning they always made us feel that they were truly there to help us and the money was not of concern. Of course they expect to be paid for their services as anyone else but I have spoken to many attorneys before speaking with them and the first thing out of their mouth was how much we would need to come up with for them to handle our case. Obviously if you're in a position of having to file bankruptcy you don't have hundreds, much less thousands of dollars just laying around! I can't say enough about how grateful we are for their help and even after it was all over they said to call them if we ever need them in the future. You won't find anyone better!
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28 Aug, 2012 by Maggie
Curtis took my personal injury case and treated my case like I was a family member. He always called me back when I had questions, kept me updated on the status of my case, and fought hard for great results! He and his wife are an amazing duo and know how to get the job done! I would recommend them to any of my friends or family!
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15 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Miller affords you her expertise as a Judge, State Legislator, Educator, Attorney, and Parent for your court matters. Her understanding of family law provided me an attorney who listened, and explained all matters that would be forthcoming in my divorce case based on the outcome I had desired when we first met. Ms. Miller is well versed in the courtroom and continually reads cases and situations, keeping them at the ready when needed for your case. Ms. Miller successfully defended me in a very complex family law case that had all elements of a bad and difficult divorce with many accusations being presented to the court. Each accusation was dissected, questioned openly in the courts, and dismissed by the courts. Her successful representation gave me immediate access to my child, and a voice in the legal system that made opposing attorneys and Judges pay attention to. While waiting on my case to be heard, I have witnessed Ms. Miller assist younger attorneys in the courtroom on proper protocol, and coach them on procedure and direction. She is not only passionate about her clients but also passionate about the law. You cannot receive any better legal representation in family law than Phyllis Miller.
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13 Feb, 2016 by Denise
After spending the past four years in and out of the courtroom with my ex-husband, I finally found the BEST Attorney!! Phyllis Miller was highly recommended to me through other lawyers in the community. Ms. Miller's years of experience as an attorney and a former judge shows in the courtroom! Phyllis always answered my emails and/or phone calls promptly. She was fantastic at keeping me up to date on any information that I needed regarding my case. Phyllis went above and beyond for what was best for me and my children. She knows what she is doing and will Fight to Get You a Great Outcome! I recommend Phyllis Miller to anyone who needs a dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced attorney.
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12 Feb, 2016 by Kirk
This Itailian gal has spunk and passion. If you'd like to hire one of the best, I highly recommend this lawyer. She helped me get my kids and my house in my divorce proceedings. After watching her in the court room I gave her the nickname Barracuda. You would have to see it to understand it. I am lucky enough to be one of the 2% of men....thanks to Phyllis Miller...hire her, you'll see...she is worth every penny. :-)
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Questions? We have answers

What a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Do for You

A medical malpractice lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been harmed due to the negligence or misconduct of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals. These lawyers assist in cases where a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death. Medical malpractice cases can involve misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and other forms of medical negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to improper medical treatment, a medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options, file a lawsuit, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

When Should I Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is essential if you’ve been seriously injured due to the negligence of a healthcare provider or institution. Situations where you should seek legal representation include:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: If a doctor fails to diagnose or delays diagnosing a medical condition, leading to harm or progression of the illness.
  • Surgical errors: Harm resulting from surgical mistakes such as operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the body, or performing unnecessary procedures.
  • Medication errors: Injuries caused by prescribing the wrong medication or dosage, or mistakes made by pharmacists in dispensing drugs.
  • Birth injuries: Injuries to a newborn due to medical negligence during labor and delivery, such as failing to perform a timely C-section or improper use of delivery instruments.
  • Anesthesia errors: Complications arising from improperly administered anesthesia, which can lead to serious injury or death.
  • Inadequate follow-up or aftercare: Suffering due to lack of proper monitoring or care after a medical procedure, leading to complications.
  • Hospital or nursing home negligence: Harm caused by the negligence of hospital staff, nurses, or administrators who failed to provide adequate care.

Medical malpractice cases are complex, and hiring a lawyer early can help ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.

What Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Do?

A medical malpractice lawyer provides various legal services to help injured patients hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. Their responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating your case: Reviewing medical records and consulting with experts to determine if you have a viable claim based on the standard of care and harm suffered.
  • Filing a lawsuit: Initiating legal action by filing a complaint against the responsible parties in the appropriate court.
  • Gathering evidence: Collecting medical records, expert testimonies, and other relevant evidence to build a strong case.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Working to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries without the need for a trial.
  • Litigating in court: Representing you during trial proceedings if a settlement cannot be reached, presenting evidence and arguing your case.
  • Calculating damages: Assessing the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
  • Handling expert testimony: Coordinating with medical experts who can testify on how the standard of care was breached and how it led to your injuries.

How Are Medical Malpractice Lawyers Paid?

Most medical malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Key aspects of this payment structure include:

  • Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer's fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the settlement or award.
  • No upfront costs: You do not pay any legal fees unless the lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf.
  • Case expenses: Costs for expert witnesses, medical record retrieval, and court fees may be deducted from your settlement or award in addition to the lawyer's fee.

Always discuss the fee arrangement during your initial consultation to understand your financial obligations.

How Much Does a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is usually based on a contingency fee model. General estimates include:

  • Contingency fee: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total recovery amount.
  • Case expenses: Additional costs such as expert witness fees and court expenses can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.

Ensure you receive a clear explanation of all potential fees and expenses before proceeding with your case.

Top Questions to Ask a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Before hiring a medical malpractice lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with medical malpractice cases like mine?
    Confirm the lawyer has a successful track record with similar cases.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Understand the contingency fee percentage and any additional costs you may incur.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Seek an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential challenges.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Get an estimate of the timeline for settling or taking the case to trial.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and their level of involvement.
  6. Have you worked with expert witnesses?
    Verify the lawyer's experience in collaborating with medical experts essential for your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association for their license and any disciplinary actions.
  • Review their experience: Look for specialization in medical malpractice and a history of successful cases.
  • Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
  • Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
  • Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Medical records: All documents related to your treatment and injury.
  • Evidence of harm: Photos, medical bills, and records of lost wages.
  • Communication records: Any correspondence with healthcare providers or institutions.
  • List of healthcare providers: Names and contact information of all involved medical personnel.
  • Questions for the lawyer: A prepared list to address all your concerns.
  • Timeline of events: A detailed chronology of your medical care and the issues encountered.

Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.

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